# apparatus

Pronunciation: say "ap-uh-RAY-tuhs" /ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/

## Noun

1. The equipment, machinery, or set of instruments needed for a particular task or purpose.
   - Simple: The machines, tools, or equipment used for a particular job.
   - _The lab installed a new apparatus for measuring air quality._
   - _Divers rely on breathing apparatus to stay safe underwater._
2. The whole system or organization through which something, such as a government, political party, or industry, operates or achieves its aims.
   - Simple: The whole system of people, rules, and means that makes something like a government, party, or industry work.
   - _The party's apparatus controlled every appointment in the region._
   - _Reformers tried to dismantle the security apparatus of the old regime._
3. A vehicle used by firefighters or other services to respond to emergencies.
   - Simple: A truck or vehicle used to respond to fires and other emergencies.
   - _Three pieces of apparatus responded to the warehouse fire._
   - _The station's newest apparatus carries a hundred-foot ladder._
4. Any of the pieces of equipment used in gymnastics, such as the beam or bars, or the hoop or ribbon in rhythmic gymnastics.
   - Simple: The equipment gymnasts use, like bars and beams, or hoops and ribbons.
   - _She mounted the apparatus and began her routine._
   - _Each gymnast competes on several pieces of apparatus during the meet._

## Origin

Borrowed from Latin apparātus; it is a doublet of apparat.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/apparatus (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).